Answer: The Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented new rules for ordering services over $150K for multiple award contracts. The rules are derived from Section 803 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2002. Section 803 requires the Contracting Officer (CO) to contact as many Schedule holders as practical, in order to ensure that at least three responses are received. If three responses are not received, the DoD CO must determine if no additional qualified contractors could be identified despite reasonable efforts to do so.

Answer: The majority of ordering offices place task orders directly with the best value GSA MAS contractor (after quotes are received), and are responsible for administration of the task order. The contractor submits invoices directly to the ordering office.

Agencies can also elect to utilize fee for service contracting support offered by GSA's Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS) if their order is above $50M. AAS can accept funding documents and competitively procure professional services from Schedule contractors. Services might include preparing a performance-based SOW, conducting market research, developing and distributing an RFQ, evaluating quotes received, and issuing and administering the Schedule task order. For more information see the MAS Desk Reference.

Answer: Federal agencies can use eBuy to prepare and distribute RFQs. The agency will be able to review quotes submitted by Schedule contractors. The actual award of a task order must be completed outside of eBuy, unless the total dollar value of the task order is less than $2.5K.

Answer: Yes, Clause 52.217-9 needs to be included in any RFQ when an agency wants to use options on their task orders and 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1990) should be added to extend a task process, and more.

Answer: Yes, Clause 52.217-9 needs to be included in any RFQ when an agency wants to use options on their task orders and 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1990) should be added to extend a task order. Prior to activating an extension or an option, confirm that the contractor is still on a GSA Schedule.

Answer: For administrative convenience, non-contract items can be added to the BPA or the individual task order if the items are clearly labeled as such, applicable acquisition regulations have been followed, and price reasonableness has been determined for the items.

Contractors are reimbursed only for incurred costs at or below the published “not to exceed” levels. Costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses incurred by contractor personnel on official company business are allowable subject to limitations contained in FAR 31.205-46, Travel Costs. It is GSA Policy not to allow a charge of profit or fee on reimbursable items.

12. Can I use the Schedule to fill short-term and/or long-term agency staffing shortfalls?

Answer: No. Short term requirements are filled utilizing Schedule 736, Temporary Administrative and Professional Services (limited to 240 days). Long term staffing shortfalls filled by contractor personnel are typically considered personal services and are held to FAR Part 37.104 requirements, like all other federal contracts.

Answer: The effort needs to be limited to a defined task with a specific start and end date to the task. No Special Item Number (SIN) should be used to provide an ongoing requirement for an indefinite time period.

You can also prepare a Request for Information (RFI) notice to solicit responses from Schedule contractors. You can post such a notice on eBuy or email it directly to contractors you see listed under the specific Schedule and SIN.

Answer: If your agency is looking for training on the Schedules program, there are two types you can get, and both are free. For general training on GSA eBuy and/or GSA Advantage!®, please contact the Customer Service Director (CSD) in your state. CSDs

For specific questions about GSA Schedules for professional services you can contact: